An accurate fabrication quote can only be provided by a fabrication company with accurate information provided by the buyer. The majority of mistakes that prevent buyers receiving an accurate price for their fabrication are avoidable.
Sending Incomplete Drawings
Missing views, dimensions, or bend information on drawings causes the fabricator to have to guess work which will either cause a delay in issuing a quote or results in a highly inaccurate quote. Drawings should be fully dimensioned 2D drawings, possibly accompanied by 3D files of the part. All features should be fully specified.
Not Naming the Material Grade
Specifying alloy grade and thickness (e.g. 1.5 mm 304 stainless steel) ensures that cost and lead time are accurately quoted for fabrication of steel and aluminium parts.
Leaving the Finish Unspecified
This includes finish type, colour and any surface standards that you require (e.g. plug gauge). If you leave this section blank it will automatically price up for a mill finish (the cheapest option).
Omitting Batch Size and Repeat Orders
Volume can affect price. For sheet metal fabrication work indicate to the fabricator the quantity you need for your first order and if there will be repeat orders. They can then include any necessary tooling and setup charges in their quote.
Assuming Default Tolerances Will Do
The tolerances required can be more important than buyers realise. If in doubt, there is some useful technical guidance on engineering tolerances and specifications. If you want Sheet Metal Fabrication, //dkmsheetmetal.co.uk is a good place to start.
A clear and complete brief gets you an accurate quote fast every time.
